How To Wire A Switched Receptacle

[@rtmunro]

very simple, straightforward...now excuse me while I watch this 100 times to figure it out.

[@MrFreddywise1]

pretty basic long as you have both wired the same way you wont blow anything up or electrocute yourself lol

[@jp71889]

Rob, did you figure it out?

[@Lore-wv5mt]

🤣😂😉😛😜

[@kenliu808]

Rob M. You are funny. My thoughts exactly. Thanks for the humor!

[@marinjj87]

😂🤣

[@carson7032]

Thank you for mentioning breaking that connector tab. This is the 5th video I watched trying to figure out why my new outlets won't work when I installed them exactly like the old ones. Such a simple fix. Thanks dude

[@whittsendranch]

Same here!

[@TexasRho83]

I searched forever for a video that would do what you did in under 10 min without a bunch of unnecessary commentary, dogs with frisbees, and guys showing off their immaculate garages 90% of the video. Easy to follow and understand. Thank you sir!

[@TheRealTonyCastillo]

A great visual explanation on how switched receptacles work. As an 20+ yr electrician in the US you get a thumbs up for this video. Personally i prefer any box that is not metal for residential for easier and faster installs. I hate those types of metal boxes. Thanks for not stabbing the receptacles and switches in the back and for the good connection points on the switch and receptacle.

[@HouseImprovements]

Thanks Tony!

[@the_politics_guy]

I really want these manufacturers to stop with the stabs in the back.

[@acesandeights65]

Your a good teacher, No stupid music,no trying to sell crap on your cannel,Thanks

[@BrandonDime]

Man this saved my ass from a never-ending nightmare! Two weeks invested I had into this, and come to find out I had all the wiring completely different. What a relief! Thank you kind sir!

[@minimutt1000]

Two rooms in my condo had switches that didn’t do anything. Your video helped me sort it out and fix it. I watched the first explanation multiple times and drew a colored diagram before fixing it. Everything worked great the first time. Thank you. This saved me a visit from the electrician.

[@jamesgraul]

Shannon was given the gift of teaching. Hope he never stops teaching.

[@scotlawrence3231]

Thanks for this detailed and easy-to-understand video. It was just what I needed to successfully re-wire a bedroom outlet controlled by a wall switch and saved me a call to my electrician.

[@sonic1221992]

I just replaced 33 outlets for my remodel and was wondering why the outlet controlled switches were not working. Thank goodness for this video

[@lifeisgoodjohn316]

Took me a while to figure things out because I have black and white wires, they are wired a little different than your demo my walls are closed but because of you explanation I was able to figured out which was the main power. I was so happy when I figured it out. I was so happy the wiring was in the wall receptical. No more running extention cords from other walls thank you. !!!!

[@GHagar2024]

By far, the best video I have watched on the subject! Thanks Shannon!

[@Electriciansparky93]

Thank u I was rushing and over thinking I’m trade school I didn’t know you had to pig tail a split receptacle. With 4 outlets . This video helped a ton god bless you

[@RHsapperdaddy1993]

Absolutely the BEST DAMN explanation for those switch types I’ve ever seen! 2 years of college wasted! All i needed was that video!!!

[@kingkoopa7481]

So glad I watched this. I forgot about the metal piece that needed to be broke off between screws to separate each one. Thanks

[@alexdorogan3279]

Couldn't figure out why light switch was not working. The cause was that flat metal piece was not cut. Works now. Thank you very much!

[@teufelhunden2820]

Thank you! You helped me figure out the mystery switch in my sons bedroom. The previous owner forgot to break the tab. I ended up replacing the whole receptacle and making sure I broke the tab prior… 🤝

[@jeffstagg3760]

Perfect instruction, 2 outlets done in 20 minutes after watching this - thank you!

[@diggerhush2946]

You are my electrician and I am your slow but learning apprentice. You are easy to understand and thorough. 😊

[@JasonWindsor88]

Thank you! I didn’t realize the importance of removing that little tab. My breaker kept tripping & I couldn’t figure out why.... thanks again.

[@alexrios4464]

By far the most helpful video for this type of wiring. Simple, and to the point, it’s going to help me out in school.

[@carold.7907]

Again your video aided in a second problem that arose after i thought i fixed the outlet. Problem started with the outdoor leaf blower which caused indoor outlets to stop working. Found the culprit changed the outlet but wasnt able to get power from wall switch to power it on and off even though it did have power. Forgot about the tab which you reminded me in your vid. Im glad you showed the two different examples because ours is a late 80s house and theres still some older outlets. Always appreciate your videos! Best ones out there. 👌

[@shyyanne]

Your voice is very relaxing, which makes me feel a lot better about not knowing what the hell I'm doing.

[@emilianorangel8798]

Thank you so much! I watched a couple other videos before swapping my outlet and you are the only one that mentioned about breaking the tab. Without breaking off that tab the light switch wouldn’t do anything.

[@roberterpelding6391]

Make sure you listen to him and break the tab off! That was my one mistake I missed and had to look up this video! Thanks for the help!

[@davidclark1911]

Yep - same here. That ONE little thing.... so much frustration followed by so much relief. Thanks for the vid.

[@ttfweb1]

Here in Oregon, we can wire anything residential including a full service panel as long as its your own property and you pull a permit. I found the electrical inspector to be very helpful in making sure I understood the codes. Good info. Thanks.

[@stacyreed1505]

Ttf Web thanks I live in Oregon as well and was wondering about this. Do we need a permit even for adding a switch?

[@samfrancisco8095]

Permits are to get money from you. Don't bother. Do they send out an inspector? If not, just do it without permit.

[@johngiorgetti795]

Thanks very much Shannon! Helped me sort out running power to a switched receptacle for deck rail lighting...explanations were very straightforward and I loved the options provided!

[@poppy9372]

Best teacher of any electrical videos I've watched. Talks slow enough to help you understand. Thank you!

[@gregoriomorales2553]

i have learned so much from this guy!!!! i probably have saved thousands of $$$$$ and the haedache of not calling back people that we hire then dont do the work right!!! thank you bro.....

[@ds99]

Your electrical demos are always well planned and easy to understand. Thanks.

[@brianjohnsen8730]

Really helpful walk-thru, excellent showing both scenarios of switch-first or receptacle-first configurations

[@davidrosen4951]

Just so you know how useful your video is: I'm working on what is for me the most complex electric project I've tried so far (basically like what you're showing but with an additional constant receptacle added in). You're video completely cleared things up for me. So you took me from confusion to clarity! Thanks! Keep doing those videos!

[@HouseImprovements]

Fantastic!

[@Stoptheliars]

Thank you for your time making the video breaking that tab saved me a meltdown today. I had no idea how to isolate a new outlet. Like that. Again thank you.

[@hamnchee]

Once again, you helped me finish a project I've been avoiding for fear of doing something wrong and dying. Most other videos on the topic can't explain things plainly and in front of you. They'll make it overly complex, and/or won't even film the process on camera or skip things. I especially liked the panel setup you used here. No distractions with going thru walls and only ever seeing part of the project at a time... Just straightforward concepts. Awesome job and thanks again!

[@scottmckindsey3936]

Great video! Is there a video for the following? I want to install a new ceiling fan with light that has black, white, and red wires. The current switch in the wall only has black and white. How would I add/install an additional wire in the wall for this?

[@HouseImprovements]

Sorry I do not.

[@ludikrus]

Watched several videos on this subject and your explanation is the best. I appreciate you.

[@SeriouSXXFireworks]

Thank you for the advice for taking out the side tab!!!

[@ronaldnayman4841]

I was able to follow both examples just fine. Great job and glad you showed two different hook-ups.

[@73rdbarrelmaker]

Thanks so much for posting this, what I wasn't understanding was the small tab connecting the upper and lower outlets. Your video solved the problem.

[@Fantazier1]

I'm confused! The new outlet I have has two tabs, one on the right and one on the left. Is the one on the right the one that needs to be snip or does both of them need to be snipped? Looks like he only snipped the one on the right.

[@AODNEO]

came across your video while trying to convert an attic light. worked out great. Thank you for the video

[@darindalessio2326]

I used your video to add a receptacle and switch for my pool pump, in the shed that I built 4 years ago which was inspired by your shed videos. So, thanks again.

[@HouseImprovements]

Glad I could help

[@robertwood9328]

Excellent job. The key for me was breaking the tabs across three outlets. So glad you included that step!!!! Thank you

[@RobinLewisMakes]

Where I am, in Australia, it's completely illegal to do this without being a licensed electrician BUT this is great knowledge for everyone to have and even if I can't do the work myself I think it's good to understand how it all works. Another great video mate!

[@survivingUS]

Robin Lewis I 933 uh

[@leahrumbo6950]

Fantastic instructions, I was able to use these steps to add a plug and switch for a new garbage disposal.

[@RYDENROAM72]

Thank you Shanon for your video. I ran a switched receptical to my air compressor and it worked perfectly.

[@kellytulley1756]

Thank you! I had to replace my dishwasher and afterwards, my disposal would not turn off when plugged in. You explained this so well for a DIY'er with VERY basic skills, that I was able to fix my issue. I appreciate you taking the time to make this public!

[@westbccoast]

Thanks for the video. Any ideas how I can find which receptacle a light switch is connected to ? I have a light switch in my living room and I assume it would power on/off one of the receptacles in the living room, but doesn't, I tested all receptacles. I opened up all receptacles, my best guess is a receptacle was replaced at some point and the light switch became redundant, but would like to try see which one it powers and hook it back up or find where it goes to ? I would like to use the light switch again.

[@HouseImprovements]

Usually the switch will only control one of the outlets on a duplex so unless you checked both top and bottom outlets on each duplex you could have missed it. If it was unhooked then you would be looking for a unhooked and hopefully capped wire or two in a box. Could be white or black possibly. If you need more assistance please use my forum after.www.house-improvements.com/forums/

[@westbccoast]

@@HouseImprovements Thanks Shannon, I checked both up and down, I even pulled out the receptacles and looked to see if the metal piece was broken. I did find one plug with an extra black wire capped

[@jamescalhoun4588]

Thank you ! I just did this for my garbage disposal which is on the same receptacle that my dishwasher is on.

[@tfuentes9648]

Hi James. Can you please let me know what size wire you used to connect them? I have a 14/3 gage wire. Thanks

[@GXDEMON.]

Great video. Just a note instead of using a jumper wire for the power to the switch, if the outlet has a "push" connector behind the screw you can simply insert the wire traveling to the switch. Worked for me thanks again for the great video!

[@lichub]

Bad wiring practice.

[@sebastianandjennifer1810]

Very nice instructional video. Many thanks for taking the time to post.

[@Tcgolovies]

Thank you so much! I finally was able to fix an outlet that hasn't worked for over a year. I got it on the first try!

[@anthonygaylor9209]

Great teacher, this was a very helpful lesson. I was easily able to wire in a switched outlet with confidence under my sink to run the Disposal (switched power) and Trash Compactor (constant power). Thank you!

[@tlgoodwi1]

No spark, no boom. If you forget to break out the tab, both halves of the outlet will remain hot no matter the position of the switch in your examples. If you desire the outlet halves to be on different circuits(breakers) you certainly could have a big boom, depending on the positioning of the breakers in the circuit panel. Thank you for the videos!

[@justinsipiceanu8104]

Thank you for clarifying about the tab. Makes a lot of sense actually since on the same circuit breaker the source of the power is the same, hence no sense for a spark...

[@JohnBartle]

Thank you for this. Had to replace a receptacle connected to a switch, wired it exactly the same and the switch had no effect in that the new top plug was constantly on. Didn't know about the little tab between the two receptacles that needed to be severed. Now I do! Cheers!

[@HouseImprovements]

Excellent!

[@thepestprophet9470]

Thank you for the video, I used this infor to run a switched outlet ro the top of the cabinets. It works great.

[@LasVegasNevada-f5x]

Your video is simple and straightforward, I fully understand. With drywall in the way, I'm not sure how my 1970s outlet is wired. I don't know if the red went to a switch or another outlet.. Is there a way to tell. It's a 1970 home, all rooms seem powered by the same circuit..

[@HouseImprovements]

We can assist you on the forum.www.house-improvements.com/forums/#google_vignette

[@justmenate]

Only gripe... which perplexed me the entire video until the end. You mentioned this was 14-2 wire in the beginning ... and at the end mentioned it was 14-3 ... I couldn't figure out that red wire! Doesn't matter... everything makes sense now. THANKS!

[@rochat]

This helps a lot. I have a receptacle hooked to a switch that I would like to change to one constant and now I know how. Thanks.

[@arlenegetsinger45]

Thank you so much for this video. The second part of the whole outlet being controlled by the switch is what I was looking for. I have 14/2 only and am going in this blind from the previous owner. I already know that I have to take all the breakers out and switch them to 15 amp as he put in 20 on 14 gauge wire. But this tells me what I need to know as far as my switch goes. Will be watching again when I go out and finish my wiring. ;)

I didn't know one could have a outlet sep up this way. Very nice and would be great for living room lamp. THANKS

[@RT-rh1ws]

This is the exact demonstration that I need in order to wire a plug for my garage. I can't thank you enough for such a detailed, and yet clear, explanation.

[@tayler2396]

Excellent lesson, thanks. I want to install a switched duplex receptacle (both switched) in my garage, but the garage requires GFCI receptacles by code. Are there any special considerations for switched GFCI outlets?

[@TheLostAdventuress]

very nice video very spot on info also you cover ALOT of different scenarios thank YOU SIR

[@johngodar9108]

GREAT video! You did a great job of clearly explaining this process and really helped me figure out a problem in how I was doing this!!

[@HouseImprovements]

Glad it helped!

[@mrob5278]

You are an excellent teacher, very clear, concise and helpful. Thank you!

[@BrianMason4fx]

Thank You so very much. Couldn't have done it without your clear and concise explanation. B

[@jp71889]

Thanks for this video tutorial, super helpful. I feel confident enough to wire a new outlet from an unused switch in my garage now.

[@N8904V]

You always make practical videos, thank you...

[@gcoll2703]

Perfect, simple explanation,,thanks alot. Saved me alot of money. Thanks again.

[@Spiriteddamsell]

Thank you!! This was very helpful. We didn’t know you had to break the tab. We didn’t have any sparks, we just broke the tab and then the switch worked.

[@amauryadams402]

All it’s does is short the connections for one wire to run both live screws It shouldn’t have sparks unless it’s three phase AC

[@juansalgado9980]

Super helpful I'm going to be using this at my garage door and shop light. This way I'm not always turning the door of or keeping the shop light on.

[@idahogreen2885]

no idea about the laws an stuff, but what an excellently presented how-to video. thanks man:)

[@BatZorro99]

Thanks for the video, simple clear and helped my son and I have a great day working together on a successful project.

[@mariomdv]

Thank you for this great video. You solved my problem. I did not notice the breakaway tab on my new outlet. Thank you.

[@LOOKING_BEYOND]

Great video I learned a lot honestly I could have swore on another video that someone did they broke off the other tab but I'll take your word for it

[@DG4String]

Thanks for the video - I'm adding a power outlet, a light fixture and a switch to control both at the top of my attic stairs. I'm pulling power from an existing outlet in my attic and your video helped me figure out the sequence. Looks like 21 nellies are too squeamish to take on this type of task and felt compelled to give it a thumbs down... Electrical ain't for sissies! Keep up the good videos!

[@jeffaxman799]

This video was just perfect! Thank you!

[@freebird1963]

Thanks. Helped me lite up my shed with the wiring.

[@michaelwade9199]

Your video nailed it. Im gking to show this to others i work with in the field.

[@thetubeinsideyou]

Thanks for all your help sir. Always coming through with great video tutorials.

[@kahloy1]

Clear as water explanation. Thank you.

[@arthurserrato9631]

Thanks man for the demonstration helped out tremendous .

[@terryfreeman457]

Thanks Shannon, it has been "interesting" trying to see if Terry can get this correct...old house, olde/old house that needs a re-do in it's thinking with reference to wiring...hee, sparks have flown...verbally and literally...Happy Holidays...Beverley-Anne...his longsuffering best half!

[@robinlopez1909]

Great help, since i am doing houses removations

[@tymecop]

You explain everything well. THANKS

[@johniethompson8788]

It seems that I owe my kids an apology (sort of)...Thank YOU for your explanation! I always assumed that one of my kids did something to burn out the light switch but I let it pass because they were young and unharmed by anything they might have stuck in the outlet. In my mind, both receptacles still worked just the switch was shot. I bought covers for every outlet and threatened them with DEATH if they removed them! After watching your video I decided to replace the switch and the outlet while I was at it. Replaced the switch, no problem...went to replace the outlet and it turns out that whoever did that part of the wiring in my house never broke that tab out on the outlet for interrupting the circuit. For me, YOU have helped...for my kids, I hope they threaten theirs with DEATH if...😁...apology to them (kind of)...

[@jch7807]

Thank you, I cut the tab and the switch worked!

[@dextermorgan4582]

nice job very thorough, explained the circuitry well

[@BryantAvant]

This video made me some money today. Thanks.

[@roxanakoc3441]

Very clear explained b is the red wire same as blue wire ?my wires are blue white and brown so the brown would be the black ?

[@HouseImprovements]

Hmm those are strange colours. Come to our forum with your question and a picture.www.house-improvements.com/forums/

[@JimboCCL]

Great video. But lets say I don't want the receptacle to split between one hot and one on a switch. I just want the switch to control the complete receptacle.And I have 2 more receptacles in the leg. Would the method you showed in your video How To Wire A Single Pole Light Switch apply? Meaning, I can just substitute the lights with receptacles?

[@daviddisbrow1567]

Good job I appreciate the teaching👍

[@jsubs]

Hi Shannon, I currently have the set up you spoke about where the power comes into the outlet and half the outlet is always hot and the other runs via a switch. On that outlet side that runs by the wall switch I have track ceiling lighting. I removed the track lighting and ran 12ga 2 wire in the ceiling for a ceiling light. I changed the outlet to have both outlets hot at all times. What's the best way to hook the wiring to the outlet so as to power the ceiling light from the wall switch. Thank You

[@juliepapais5532]

Great videos! They have helped me out many times in the past! I do have a question... I have an older house, and as I was changing out the switches and duplexes I came across this application in one room where the bottom simplex is controlled by the switch except mine has a crazy amount of wires - 2-black, 2-red, 2-white, and the copper ground. I took photos and copied the wiring exactly, but for some reason, I'm still not getting the split power. Any suggestions as to what might be my problem? Thanks!

[@HouseImprovements]

Please post in our forum.And maybe include one of the pictures so we know what you had. www.house-improvements.com/forums/

[@gilguzman8359]

Make switches and receptacles “smart” where you hook into them via a USB connection and “program” them to work the way you want. This would be done via a graphical interface. Then you simply plug in the Romex wire into the switch or receptacle (stripped wire) and viola, you’re done! This also would allow you to reprogram each switch should you ever change you mind on how you want the switch or receptacle to work. This eliminates error, increases safety and ease of installation/configuration.

[@gilguzman8359]

No more guess work, or “Did I use the right wire in the right screw or slot?”

[@stewpeanut]

great content, thanks! another owner of an older home here 😁i was planning to split the switched receptacle, but found that there's only 12/2 coming into the receptacle from the outlet. am i right in assuming i can't split the receptacle (half hot) without being able to run either a new 3 wire run to the switch or a single switch loop wire? (there's no great way for me to do that in the house....so if so i'll have to live with a fully switched receptacle 😒thanks!

[@HouseImprovements]

correct

[@patriciaglass5860]

I changed 4 outlets and 1 switch. Hooked up exactly same. So happy when they all worked! Went to bedroom that night (other end of upstairs) and 3 walls of outlets are out!! Bedroom in the middle still works. Help. I missed something - old outlets don't have tabs. Watched 10 videos.....what's the most likely problem? at the switch? a lot of wires in the switch.....

[@HouseImprovements]

Please come you our forum. www.house-improvements.com/forums/

[@iseekthegrail]

Clear and complete explanation. Provided great clarity. Great video - thank you.

[@robbiebenson2814]

I cut the tab instead of breaking it so it didn’t break the circuit. Thanks for clarifying

[@suzannta2827]

You know what Code they have in Mexico? it's "NADA" no code at all. I had 1 elec. Guy for 25 years and I barely found out that my whole house and yard has different colors of wires. I wish I knew about codes and wires back then. Your video was very helpful, Thanks!!

[@prashantlalaiya]

It worked to fix my outlet switch. Thanks 👍